In recent years Serbia became a popular destination for young digital nomads because of its low costs of living, beautiful cities and landscapes, and great cuisine. Also, many workers from Asia come to work in the construction business which is in the grand expansion in Serbia.

The procedure for getting a residence permit is not complicated but it is necessary to have the right guide who will support you during the proceedings.

To obtain the residence permit you must meet the general criteria and grounds prescribed in Serbian Law on foreigners. To summon general criteria, you should have a valid passport, health insurance recognized in Serbia, address of the place where you stay during your stay in Serbia and means for subsistence during the planned stay.

If you meet general criteria, you should choose a valid ground on which you are going to apply for a residence permit.

In this text, we will cover the most common grounds for getting a residence permit in Serbia.

OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY- Purchase or inheritance of immovable property is a strong ground for issuing and extension of the residence permit. But, If you decide to purchase a house or flat in Serbia, there must be reciprocity between your country and Serbia. Reciprocity can be regulated through bilateral agreement or common practice between two countries. For example, Serbia accepts reciprocity with China, Russia, UAE, Japan, etc. It is important to say that foreigners are not allowed to purchase agricultural land in Serbia.

EMPLOYMENT - Due to low taxes, in recent years, many people decide to open an LLC in Serbia where they act as both owners and the managers of the company.  Even though the opening of the newly formed company could be a good starting point for issuing a first residence permit and work permit, for any extension it is necessary to prove that the company is working and doing business. Solid ground for getting the work and residence permit is also the engagement of the foreigner in a Serbian company through an employment contract, business, and technical cooperation agreement, sports engagement, or other document proving the work engagement. The good thing is that now you can apply for both work and residence permits at the same time because these procedures are combined. You can’t get a work permit without a residence permit.

FAMILY REUNIFICATION- If you are married to a Serbian citizen or holder of a Serbian residence permit, that can be the solid ground for issuing the residence permit. It also applies to the children of the couple.

STUDIES- On this ground residence permit may be granted to a foreigner who submits evidence of enrolment in a program with an accredited tertiary education institution, with the purpose of acquiring a tertiary level of education in Serbia.

Whatever the ground is it is highly recommended to consult an expert on immigration law who will analyze the potential solutions and recommend the right way for the client.

Rade Zatezalo, Attorney at Law from Nis, Serbia